Youth "Breathing Life" into Lai Thieu pottery

Located along the Saigon River, Lai Thieu is not only known for its lush orchards, but also as the "cradle" of traditional pottery. However, the rise of industrial products plus fast consumer trends has caused the handcrafted pottery items of Lai Thieu to fade from its former glory. However, some young people have chosen to preserve this hard craft and maintain the beauty of traditional pottery. Huynh Xuan Huynh, the owner of a  ceramic kiln named "Nắng's Ceramics" is such a person.

Products by Nắng’s Ceramics

Growing up in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang, Huynh's family always used Lai Thieu pottery items for their dishes. When he later came to Binh Duong, he couldn’t find the traditional wood-fired pottery of Lai Thieu in the markets. After visiting pottery kilns in Tan Phuoc Khanh and Bung market, he discovered the beauty of the craft and became inspired to preserve this 300-year-old traditional craft. After graduating from Ho Chi Minh city University of Architecture, Huynh brought all his knowledge to Binh Duong to create "Nắng’s Ceramics".

To gain more experience, Huynh not only learned from seasoned pottery artisans, but also researched the traditional cultural values of Lai Thieu pottery. He incorporated a modern, youthful perspective into designs. Seeing his passion, a kiln owner who was retiring entrusted him with a 40-year-old kiln. At just 27, Huynh began promoting Lai Thieu pottery online, embracing the digital age. Thanks to this, his handcrafted pottery items—embellished with Southern motifs such as lotuses, apricot blossoms, dragons,  carps…have gained attention from customers at home and abroad. The simple charm of Lai Thieu pottery has now reached Japan, Taiwan, France and the U.S.

Today, Xuan Huynh’s pottery kiln is a gathering place for over 10 young people who are passionate about the soul of Lai Thieu pottery. They all aim at enhancing the beauty of this traditional craft, which is also a cultural heritage of Binh Duong.

Reported by Thuong Hai-Translated by Kim Tin